NATO IS THE 'BAD COP' OF THE WORLD

Editor -- Re NATO's new role (Editorial, April 20), the "diplomacy" that you referred to was nothing but a charade -- more like a scene out of the "Godfather." "Sign or we will bomb you into the Stone Age!" Is this diplomacy?

Since when has NATO the right to brutally attack a sovereign nation, Yugoslavia, that has not threatened or attacked it? With this murderous action, and by totally circumventing the U.N. Security Council and even NATO's own charter, NATO has become a band of rogue nations operating on the principle of "might is right!"

I see the 50th anniversary of NATO as a day of mourning. Today's NATO is embarking on the course that takes it away from its original goal -- opposing the aggressive expansion of the Soviet Union, a function that was worthy of support by all freedom-loving people. Instead, it's new policeman-of-the- world role is leading it on a course of selective coercion, state-sponsored terrorism, etc. In short, it is evolving from a defender of democracy and freedom into an aggressive, fascist warmonger in its own right. NATO may have won the "Cold War," but it might lose everything it has gained, including a free, democratic Russia and peace and stability around the world.

REQUIRED READING

Editor -- I think the April 21 Thomas Friedman column, "Globalution Will Help Change China," should be required reading for one elected politician and one wannabe politician -- Nancy Pelosi (human rights in China or no trade) and isolationist Pat Buchanan.

If they each took the time to read the column, they might begin to understand that China's Prime Minister Zhu Rongji wants very much to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) and that's good news for his people and even greater news for us. It means he has to open his market to us and the world to conform to WTO's set rules overseen by a multinational organization.

The world is changing profoundly and globalization is a reality. China's Zhu Rongji, in particular, in wanting to belong to the WTO knows what he is doing for his country. Friedman says ". . . China's joining the WTO would be a huge step in the protracted process of opening up the Middle Kingdom and easing its wrenching transition from communism. It would be a grievous error to miss the opportunity."

It won't be an easy process according to Friedman, but the benefits are enormous, both in terms of world trade and improving human rights . . . the inevitable results of democratization.

And by the way, both Buchanan and Pelosi might want to read Friedman's new book, "The Lexus and The Olive Tree." They might learn something about what's really going on in the world -- from the expert -- one who has spent the better part of two decades as a foreign correspondent for the New York Times.

JACK PIERCE

Greenbrae

IN PRAISE OF GREECE

Editor -- In the crisis surrounding Kosovo, The Chronicle has failed to recognize Greece's humanitarian efforts toward thousands of devastated and ravaged refugees. Madeleine Albright recently praised Greece for sending truckloads of food and medicine to the Albanian refugees in order to ease their suffering. What has not been mentioned is that Greece has also sent soldiers to Macedonia to assist refugees in assembling tents, prefabricated homes, portable toilets, and money. Absolutely none of this has been publicized in The Chronicle. Give the people of Greece the praise and recognition they deserve . . . don't merely mention Greece's shortcomings with the EU and its constant strife with Turkey, thereby diminishing the greatness of Greece, the cradle of democracy.

CHRISTIAN PELS

Editor -- This (former?) liberal is appalled that the ILWU marched in "support" of Mumia Abu-Jamal.

Yes, the justice system is often overanxious to convict a suspect. Yes, police are often brutal, especially toward people of color. No, the death penalty doesn't solve anything.

But Mumia Abu-Jamal is guilty of killing Police Officer Dan Faulkner. He was arrested at the scene, holding the murder weapon, and later bragged about it.

Why don't his supporters acknowledge this? Because fanatics never want to be guided by facts. Look at the Tawana Brawley case. Look at the militias that believe in black helicopters.

Perhaps Mumia shouldn't die. But he did the crime.

BRUCE COLMAN

San Francisco

SHAMEFUL NEGLECT

Editor -- I was heartened by your editorial "Shameful Indifference to Plight of Mentally Ill," April 18, which called for lifting political and legal barriers to providing medically necessary treatment to people with mental illnesses, many of whom are too ill to ask for it or to realize they need it. The issue of reforming current commitment laws is a contentious one and I applaud The Chronicle for stepping forward to call for change.

And as long as medical treatment is unreachable, society pays for far more costly and ineffective warehousing of humans in prisons, jails or emergency rooms. We've ignored the needs of people who have biological brain disorders long enough and in cities nationwide as well as in San Francisco, we are greeted with daily reminders of our neglect and shame.

RENEE DEGER

President, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of San Francisco

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Editor -- For over 50 years the Mental Health Association of San Francisco has been working to educate the community about mental illness and advocate for appropriate services for people with mental illness. We were therefore very pleased to see your editorial all for a comprehensive reassessment of mental health services in California. In particular we want to thank you for supporting two important legislative efforts: one to expand funding for community services and one to end insurance discrimination for people with mental illness.

Unfortunately, your message about the need for increased involuntary treatment is sadly misinformed. Involuntary treatment is not only ineffective but it is inhumane and costly. There is almost no valid empirical evidence in support of the effectiveness of increased involuntary outpatient treatment laws. We have made great strides in treating mental illness. We have a long way to go before we can offer appropriate treatment to all who want it. We trust that we can count on your support in our efforts to secure the resources necessary to provide mental health treatment on demand in San Francisco.

BILL HIRSH

Executive Director Mental Health Association of San Francisco

PRESIDIO DEVELOPMENT

Editor -- I wish to call your attention to the imminent announcement of the selection of a commercial developer for the Letterman area of the Presidio. It is my understanding that the Burton bill was designed to be a certain guarantee that precluded commercial development of the Presidio since it is part of the GGNRA. The central theme of the Commemorative Program of Oct. 1, 1994 emphasized only conversion from post to park.

I am concerned that the Board of Directors of the Presidio Trust may not have given full attention to the provisions of the Burton bill. The published fundamental planning guidelines of the National Park Service included: "New uses in the Presidio should support or be compatible with National Park purposes."

I also have serious doubts that alternative uses of the Letterman complex have been adequately evaluated in spite of the need for seismic retrofitting.

I readily admit to an emotional involvement since I first reported to Letterman in 1952 and having returned, helped open the New Letterman in March 1 1969.

JAMES P. GEIGER

Tiburon

RIGHT OF WAY

Editor -- So, Patrick Mahoney -- representing the city of San Francisco and the Muniserable Railway -- asserts that it has somehow become the responsibility of the pedestrian, crossing an intersection, with a green light, in a crosswalk, to avoid the bus turning left across that same crosswalk?

I suggest that Mr. Mahoney consult the California Vehicle Code, which rather clearly gives the right of way to the pedestrian under the circumstances described.